In a significant nationwide consultation held across the four regions in Sierra Leone a step towards enhancing urban development and governance, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie delivered compelling keynote addresses at stakeholders consultation in Bombali District on Tuesday September 10, Wednesday September 11 in Port Loko District, Thursday September 12 in Kenema District and in Bo District on Friday September 13, 2024 respectively.
This event was a nationwide dialogue focused on the review of the Country Planning Act.
The Minister highlighted that the primary objective of this legislative revision is to remodel towns and cities while devolving development control responsibilities to local councils, a move deemed essential for addressing the challenges facing urban areas.
The consultation, was attended by top stakeholders and prominent dignitaries including Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Umaru Bond Wurie, Resident Minister North, Deputy Mayor of Port Loko City, Hon Quinton Sallia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Lands; as well as the District Council Chairman and the Senior District Officer (SDO).
The events attracted a diverse range of participants, including representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local authorities, civil society organizations, and media representatives.
This broad participation underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive approach to urban planning, recognizing that effective governance requires input from all sectors of society.
In his address, the Minister outlined the pressing issues that necessitate the review of the Country Planning Act. He pointed to the proliferation of unplanned communities, rampant noise pollution, inadequate access roads, and the alarming trend of haphazard construction that often obstructs waterways and catchment areas.
“These challenges are not merely inconveniences; they pose real threats to public health, safety, and the overall quality of life for our citizens,” he stated.
The new law, according to the Minister, will now make provision for green spaces and fountains within towns and cities, recreational centres, among others, all that will be grouped under a special project called City Corridors Development Project, which the Minister proposes to work together with the Councils to actualize.
By introducing a revised planning act, the government aims to implement frameworks that promote orderly development and sustainable urban environments.
Hon. Quinton Sallia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Land, praised the Minister for his courage in pursuing legal reforms that many may shy away from.
“No country can develop without a robust planning framework,” he asserted, reinforcing the importance of this initiative. His remarks were echoed by various local council officials and other stakeholders, who expressed their support for the Minister’s vision of a well-planned urban future.
The discussions during the consultation were rich and varied, with participants sharing their insights and experiences regarding urban planning and development.
In one of his many engagements, Dr. Turad Senesie recommended the introduction of a funding mechanism through property taxes which would include levies on unoccupied land, building permits and fines for non-compliance. He expressed commitment to transferring some ministerial powers to Local Councils to foster better planned communities and sustainable urban growth.
The consultation concluded with a unified call for stakeholders to collaborate on implementing updated laws, restructuring urban areas and promoting inclusive development throughout Sierra Leone. The commitment to effective land management and urban planning is seen as central to addressing poverty, stimulating economic growth and building vibrant, sustainable communities across the nation.
Courtesy: Media and Public Relations Office, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning
